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This resource is a student tutorial on magnetism designed for beginning physical science students. It is organized into sequenced headings that each contain interactive simulations and reflective questions. The first half of the tutorial gives students a conceptual framework to understand properties of magnets and magnetic behavior. The topics then broaden to include magnetic lines of force, magnetic field, electromagnets, electric motors, and galvanometers. This resource is part of a collection developed by the Non-Destructive Testing Resource Center at Iowa State University.

Standards (3)

AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)

4. The Physical Setting

4G. Forces of Nature

6-8: 4G/M3. Electric currents and magnets can exert a force on each other.

AAAS Benchmark Alignments (1993 Version)

4. THE PHYSICAL SETTING

D. The Structure of Matter

4D (9-12) #1. Atoms are made of a positive nucleus surrounded by negative electrons. An atom's electron configuration, particularly the outermost electrons, determines how the atom can interact with other atoms. Atoms form bonds to other atoms by transferring or sharing electrons.

G. Forces of Nature

4G (9-12) #5. Magnetic forces are very closely related to electric forces and can be thought of as different aspects of a single electromagnetic force. Moving electric charges produce magnetic forces and moving magnets produce electric forces. The interplay of electric and magnetic forces is the basis for electric motors, generators, and many other modern technologies, including the production of electromagnetic waves.

Units (1)

This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.

Topic: Magnetism and Magnetic ForceUnit Title: What is Magnetism?

This resource is a student tutorial on magnetism appropriate for middle school or 9th grade Physical Science. It is organized into sequenced headings that each contain interactive simulations and reflective questions. The first half of the tutorial gives students a conceptual framework to understand properties of magnets and magnetic behavior. The topics then broaden to include magnetic lines of force, magnetic field, electromagnets, electric motors, and galvanometers.

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This tutorial, appropriate for grades 6-12, goes into greater detail on types of magnets, including naturally-occurring magnets such as lodestone, temporary magnets, pulsed magnets, electromagnets, and superconducting magnets.